1-benzyloxy-6-substituted-9-lower alkyl-trans-decalins and trans-octalins



United States Patent 3 321,488 1 BENZYLOXY 6 -SUBSTITUTED 9 LOWER ALIWL-TRANS-DECALINS AND TRANS OCTA- LINS Marinns Los, Trenton, N.J., assignor to American Cyanamid Company, Stamford, Conn., a corporation of Maine No Drawing. Filed June 4, 1964, Ser. No. 372,716 13 Claims. (Cl. 260340.9)

This invention relates to new organic compounds and methods for the preparation thereof. More particularly, it relates to novel compounds useful in the synthesis of a biologically active sterioid moiety and methods of preparing said compounds.

The compounds of the present invention may be illus trated by the following formula:

wherein R is lower alkyl, X is selected fi'om the group consisting of oxygen and lower alkylenedioxy C-;C is selected from the group consisting of CH -CH CH=CH and The compounds of the present invention are, in general, crystalline solids. They are crystallizable from hydrocarbon solvents.

Among the compounds of this invention are the following: 1-benzyloxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-methyl-trans-Decalin; l-benzyloxy-6,6ethylenedioxy-9-ethyl-trans-Decalin; 1-benzyloxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-propyl-traus-Decalin; 1-benzyloxy-6,6-propylenedi'oxy-9-methyl-trans-Decalin; 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-Decalin; 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-ethyl-trans-Decalin; l-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-propyl-trans-Decalin; 1-benzyloxy-7bromo-6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-Decalin; 1-phenethyloxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-ethyl-trans Decalin; 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A' -trans-octalin; 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-ethyl-A -trans-octalin and the like.

The present compounds are prepared by using starting materials such as, for example, 2-lower alkyl-cyclohexane- 1,3-dione (compound 1 in flowsheet hereinafter) which is reacted with methylvinyl ketone in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide in alcohol and adding to this mixture benzene and pyrrolidine to form a 1,6-dioxo-A -9- lower alkyl-octalin (II). This material (II) is separated from the mixture and then treated with sodium borohydride (preferably purified) in alcohol, preferably ethanol, to form a 1-hydroxy-6-oxo-A -9-lower alkyl-octalin (III) which is separated from the mixture. This product (111) is then converted to 1-acyloxy-6-oxo-A -9-lower alkyl-octalin (IV) by reaction of said material (III with an acyl halide or an acyl anhydride, preferably acetic anhydride, and pyridine. This material (-IV) is then separated from the reaction mixture. Reaction of l-acyloxy- 6-oxo-9-lower alkyl-A -octalin (IV) with a lower alkyl orthoformate, preferably ethyl orthoformate, in the presence of a strong acid catalyst will form new enol ethers. For example, when ethyl orthoformate is used in the above reaction, 1-acryloxy-6-ethoxy-9-lower alkyl-A hexahydronaphthalene is formed in quantitative yield. The crude enol ether (V) l-acyloxy-6-lower alkoxy-9-lower alkyl-A -hexahydronaphthalene may then be hydro- 3,321,488 Patented May 23, 1967 'genated catalytically to the new compounds 1-acyloxy-6- lower alkoxy-9-lower alkyl-trans-A -octalin (VI), which Without purification is warmed with 50% aqueous acetic acid to give 1-acyloxy-6-oxo-9-lower alkyl-trans-Decalin (VII). The subject matter shown hereinafter in the flowsheet as compounds IV through VII is described and claimed in my copending application Ser. No. 360,404, filed Apr. 16, 1964.

The 1-acyloxy-6-oxo-9-lower alkyl-tr-ans-Decalin compound (VII) when refiuxed with ethylene glycol and p-toluenesulphonic acid in a solvent, yields 1-acyloxy-6,6- ethylene dioxy-9-lower alkyl-trans-Decalin (XII) which in turn is readily converted to 6,6-ethylenedioxy-l-hydroxy-9-lower alkyl-trans Decalin (XIII) by refluxing with an alcoholic solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, preferably ethanolic potassium hydroxide.

The present compounds are prepared by heating l-hydroxy 6,6 ethylenedioxy 9 lower alkyl-trans-Decalin (compound XIII) with benzyl chloride and sodium hydnde, an excellent yield of the l-benzyloxy (compound XIV) is formed. As an example, .1-hydroxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-methyl-trans-Decalin with benzyl chloride and sodrum hydride yields 1-benzyloxy-6,6ethylenedioxy-9- methyl-trans-Decalin.

Hydrolysis of the 6,6-alkylenedioxy ketal function of (compounds XIV) is readily accomplished by warming the ketal with aqueous acetic acid. Mineral acids in an organic solvent miscible with water can also be used for the hydrolysis. As an example, 1-benzyloxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-methyl-trans-Decalin (compound XIV) when warmed with 30% aqueous acetic acid gives an excellent yield of 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-Decalin (compound XV).

When the compounds, represented 'by formula (XV), in an inert solvent, preferably chloroform, are treated with bromine in the same solvent, an excellent yield of the correspondingbromo compound (XVI) is formed. As an example, l benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-decalin treated with bromine in chloroform, gives a good yield of 1 benzyloxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-decalin.

The bromo derivatives (com-pounds XVI) are dehydrobrominated in excellent yields by heating under reflux 21 solution of the bromine compound in dry dimethylformamide containing anhydrous lithium halide, preferably lithium chloride, and anhydrous lithium carbonate in an atmosphere inert to the reactants. Such reaction yields, for example, l-benzyloxy-6 oxo-9-lower alkyl-n' -trans-octalin (compounds XVII). When, for example, l-benzyloxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-decalin is dehydrobrominated in dimethylformamide in the presence of lithium chloride and lithium carbonate, an excellent yield of lbenzyloxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A -trans-octalin is formed.

By a different route shown in the flowsheet herein-after l acyloxy-6-oxo-9-lower alkyl-trans-decalin (VII) of the general formula:

wherein R is lower alkyl and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl and substituted phenyl radicals (i.e. tolyl, halophenyl and like), is dissolved in an inert solvent, preferably chloroform, bromine, preferably dissolved in the same solvent, is then admixed with this solution to yield the corresponding bromo derivative, for example, l-lower alkanoyloxy- 7-'bromo-6-oxo-9-lower alkyl-trans-decalin (VIII).

Dehydrobromination of this product is carried out by OH R: I

wherein R is as hereinbefore defined. The 1-t-b-utoxy-6- oxo-9-lower alkyl-A -trans-octalin (XI) is formed by reaction of the above-identified l-hydroxy-derivative with isobutylene in an inert solvent, preferably methylene chloride, in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, prefer-ably phosphoric acid-boron trifluoride.

The following fiowsheet shows the preparation of the present compounds and their conversion to biologically active products.

When compound (XIX) is reacted with a,B-unsaturated ketones, preferably vinyl ketones, in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide, preferably potassium-tbutoxide, in an inert solvent, preferably t-butanol, under an inert atmosphere, there is formed a compound of the formula (XX) in good yield. Specifically, when the compound trans-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-4a-methyl 5 tbutoxy-Z-oxo-l-naphthaldehyde is treated with methylvinyl ketone in t-butanol containing potassium t-butoxide, there is obtained trans-l,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-4amethyl 5 t butoxy 2 oxo 1 (3 oxobutyl) 1- naphthaldehyde, also when methyl 5-oxo-6-heptenoate is employed the product is methyl trans-l-formyll,2,4a,5, 6,7,7,8a octahydro 4a methyl 5 t butoxy 6,2- dioxo-l-naphthaleneheptanoate. When the corresponding benzyl-ether of compound (XIX) is used, the products are the corresponding benzyl derivatives. Similarly when lower alkyl-4-oxo-5-hexenoate is used in the reaction R" is lower alkyl acetate in compounds represented by formula (XX) of flowsheet. The conversion of compounds represented by (XX) is readily accomplished by treating a solution ofcompound (XX) in a water-miscible organic solvent, preferably dioxan, with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide in an inert atmosphere. As

o 0 on 2 R2 R2 R2 R2 R2 Ct oi) ace-co oi) m I 11 III 0 1 R0 v R Will 0H v 1 B); R2 R2 ocon' B B2 COR R2 COR 1, OR' o 0 0 R2 0 i H m XI 1:1 x 3 IX H VIII H VII O XVIII E R2 CHzCsHs Br R2 OCH; Cs H5 2OCH: Cs H5 2 CH2 C635 H R2 OCOR:

*ro 1 lo XVII H XVI H X XIV XIII X 11 I R2 QR| R2 0R R2 OR' R2 ORI R2 OR' R OR z 2 Q R n I Pk R' RI I I I I v a it i X X CH0 0 HO 0 O o H H xxv XX XXI XXII XIII The compound an example, methyl trans-l-formyl-l,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro 4a methyl 5 benzyloxy 6,2 dioxo 1- R, I naphthaleneheptanoate (formula (XX)), on treatment with sodium hydroxide in aqueous dioxan yields di- 2,3,4,4afi,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a decahydro 8afl methyl 85- I benzyloxy-Z-oxophenanthrene-l-propionic acid (com- (XVIII) pound XXI). Where the above mentioned hexenoate is wherein R and R are as hereinbefore defined as generic to (XVII) and (XI) shown in flowsheet, can be transformed 'by condensation with an alkyl formate, preferably ethyl formate, in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide, preferably sodium methoxide, in an inert solvent, such as benzene, to the product (XD(). As a specific example, l-t-butoxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A' -trans-octalin with ethyl formate and sodium methoxide in benzene gives an excellent yield of trans-l,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro 4a methyl 5 t butoxy 2 oxo 1 naphthaldehyde represented generically by compound (XIX) of the fiowsheet hereinafter.

used in the reaction, R for compounds represented by (XXI) is acetic acid.

The reduction of compound (XXI) to compound (XXII) is carried out with hydrogen and hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on strontium carbonate. Two solvent systems are employed in the reduction. When in (XXI, R' is CH CH COOH or used. When compounds (XXI, R' is H or lower alkyl) is the substrate, an inert solvent, preferably benzene, is

used. As a specific example, dl-SB-benzyloxy-Z,3,4,4ap, 4ba,5,6,7,8,8a decahydro 8a5 methyl 2 OX- phenanthrene-l-propionic acid (XXI, R is CH R is CH C H R'" is CI-I CH COOH) on reduction with hydrogen in water containing one equivalent of sodium hydroxide in the presence of palladium on strontium carbonate give dl-SB-benzyloxy-Zfi,4,4a}8,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10- dodecahydro Safi methyl 2 oxo phenanthrene lpropionic acid (XXII, wherein R is CH R is CH C H R is CH CH COOH). Where the corresponding acetic acid analog of (XXI), in which R' is CH COGH, is reduced in the hydrogen in water, the corresponding acetic acid compound (UH, R' is CH COOH) is Obtained.

Although the examples above are specific for R as methyl, the processes are equally applicable when R is lower alkyl and the invention is intended to include the compounds in which R is a lower alkyl radical.

When compound (XXII), wherein R is or CH C0OH, R is lower alkyl and R' is benzyl or tbutyl, is treated with acetic anhydride-sodium acetate, good yields of compounds (XXIII) or (XIIIA) are produced. As a specific example the treatment of dl-Sfibenzyloxy 2,3,4,4afi,4b x,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10 dodecahydro- 8afi-methyl-2-oxo-phenanthrene 1 propionic acid (in which R is CH with acetic anhydride and sodium acetate gives in good yield dl-17a,;3-benzyloxy-5-hydroxy- 3,5 seco 4 nor 5(l0),9(l1) D homoestradien 3 oic acid, 3,5-lactone (XXIII, in which R is CH Treatment of (XXII), where R" is CH COOH, yields dl l3 lower alkyl-l7a-benzyloxy-l,4-bisnor-3,5-seco 5- hydroxy I) homogona 5(10),9(1l) dien 3 oic acid, 3,5-lactone (XXIIIA, in which R is methyl and R is benzyl).

Reduction of compound (XXIII) with hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on stron-- tium carbonate in an inert solvent, such as benzene, gives, in excellent yield (compound XXIV). As for example, d1 17a,[3 benzyloxy 5 hydroxy 3,5 seco 4'- nor- 5(l0),9(l1)-D-homoestradien-3-oic acid, 3,5 lactone (XXIII, wherein R is CH on reduction gives d1-l7a,18- benzyloxy 5 hydroxy 3,5 seco 4 nor 5(10) D- homoestren-3-oic acid, 3,5-lactone (XXIV, where R is CH Finally, when compound (XXIV) is treated with a methyl magnesium halide, such as the bromide, and the crude product allowed to stand in a mixture of acetic and hydrochloric acids compound (m) is formed in good yield. For example, d1-17a,fi-benzyloxy-5-hydroxy- 3,5-seco-4 nor-5(10)-D-homoestren-3oic acid, 3,5-lactone (XXIV, wherein R is CH gives on treatment with methyl magnesium bromide followed by acid a good yield of dl-19-nor-D-homotestosterone, benzylether (compound XXV, wherein R is CH This compound (XXV) can be transformed into the known biologically active compound dl-l9-nor-D-homotestosterone by removing the benzyl blocking group. This can be removed by reduction with lithium in liquid ammonia after protecting the keto group as the ethylenedioxy ketal, and subsequent acid hydrolysis of the ketal.

When the starting material is dl-17a,B-benzyloxy-5- hydroxy-3,5-seco-4-nor-5 l0) -D-homobonene-3-oic acid, 3,5-lactone (compound XXIV, wherein R is C H the final product will be dl-l3-ethyl-l9-nor-D-homo-4-gonene- 17215-01 (compound XXV, wherein R is ethyl and R is H).

\Vhen dl-l7a[i-t-butoxy 5 hydroxy-3,5-seco-4-nor- 5(l0)-D-homoestren-3-oic acid, 3,5-lactone (compound XXIV, wherein R is CH and R is t-butyl) is treated with methyl magnesium bromide followed by acid, the product is directly dl-l9-nor-D-homotestosterone, the tbutyl blocking group having been removed during the acid treatment.

,Similarly, when the starting material is dl-17afi-tbutoxy-13-ethyl 5 hydroxy-3,5-seco-4-nor-5(10)-D- homogonene-3-oic acid, 3,5-lactone (compound XXIV, wherein R is C H and R is t-butyl) and it is carried through the identical reaction sequence,.the product is dl-13-ethyl-19-nor-D-homo-4-gonene-17aB-ol (compound )OIV, wherein R is ethyl and R is H).

The following examples describe the use of starting materials, such as 2-lower alkylcyclohexane-1,3-diones to prepare the present compounds (XIV to XVII) and subsequently converting the present compounds to the biologically active dl-19-nor-D-homotestosterone.

EXAMPLE I.PREPARATION OF l,6-DIOXO-A 9-ETHYL-OCTALIN (II) A mixture of 70.0 g. 2-ethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, 62 ml. of methylvinyl ketone, 0.25 g. potassium hydroxide and 250 ml. absolute methanol are heated with stirring under reflux for 4 hours. Methanol and excess methylvinyl ketone are then removed by distillation at atmospheric pressure. Benzene is added to the residue and the distillation continued until the temperature of the vapours is C. indicating complete removal of methanol and water. Benzene is added to bring the volume of the solution up to the original volume. The solution is cooled in an ice bath and 3 ml. pyrrolidine is added. The solution is heated under reflux under a Dean-Stark water separator for 1 hour when no more water is azeotropically distilling. The solution is cooled in ice, diluted with ether and washed with ml. water containing 15 ml. of a 10% hydrochloric acid solution, followed by 100 ml. water. The aqueous phases are combined and washed with 50 ml. ether. The combined organic phases are washed with three 100 ml. portions of water, saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue is distilled. The main fraction boils at l35 C. at 0.06 mm. The distillate is crystallized from etherhexane to yield 46.7 g. of l,6-dioxo-A -9-ethyl-octalin. The analytical sample obtained by recrystallizations from ether-hexane has melting point 67.5 68.5 C.

The 1,6-dioxo-A -9-lower alkyl-octalins are prepared by substituting the appropriate 2-lower alkylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, for the 2-ethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione in the above reaction. For example, the l,6-dioxo-A 9-methyl-octalin and 1,6-dioxo-A 9 propyl-octalin are readily prepared by this procedure.

EXAMPLE 2.PREPARATION OF l-HYDROXY-6- OXO-A -ETHYL-OCTALIN (III) To an ice-cold stirred solution of 9.6 g. of 1,6-dioxo- A -9-ethyl-octalin in 90 ml. absolute ethanol is added 200 mgs. purified sodium borohydride. After 15 minutes, 200 mgs. sodium borohydride is added and after a further 15 minutes, mgs. sodium borohydride. The stirring and cooling are continued for 15 minutes and then the solution is acidified with glacial acetic acid. The ethanol is removed under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between chloroform and water. The aqueous phase is washed with chloroform and the combined organic phases washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residue is distilled, the product, l-hydroxy-6-oxo-A -9-ethyl-octalin, boils at C. at 0.8 mm. The oil crystallizes and the analytical sample, melting point 88.089.5 C. is obtained by recrystallization from acetone-hexane.

By employing the appropriate l,6dioxo-A -9-1ower alkyl-octalin in the above reaction, the corresponding 1- hydroxy-6-oxo-A -9-lower alkyl-octalin is produced. For example, the corresponding -9-methyl-octalin, -9- propyl-octalin, -9-butyl or isopropyl octalins may be prepared by this procedure.

EXAMPLE 3.PREPARATION OF 1-ACETOXY-6- OXO-A -9-ETHYL-OCTALIN (IV) A mixture of 3.98 g. of l-hydroxy-6-oxo-A -9-ethyl octalin, 10 ml. acetic anhydride and 2 ml. pyridine are heated on a steam bath for 1.5 hours. The solution is then poured into 300 m1. ice water with stirring. After stirring for 1 hour, the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and the ether washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The l-acetoxy-6-oxo-A -9-ethyl-octa1in is obtained as a colorless oil, weighing 4.2 g. and is used without further purification.

The above reaction, when conducted with the appropriate 1-hydroxy-6-oxo-A -9-lower alkyl-o-ctalin in presence of pyridine and the appropriate acyl anhydride or aroyl halide yields the corresponding 1-acyloxy-6-oxo- A -9-lower alkyl-octalin or 1-aroyl-oxy-6-ox0-A 9-lower alkyl-octalin, for example, 1-propiony1oxy-6 oxo-A -9-propy1 octalin or 1-benzoyl-oxy-6-oxo-A 9-methyl octalin respectively.

EXAMPLE 4.PREPARATION OF 1 ACETOXY 6- ETHOXY 9 METHYL A HEXAHYDRO- NAPHTHALENE (V) To a solution of 44.4 grams (0.2 mole) of l-acetoxy- 6-oxo-9-methyl-A -octalin in 44 ml. ethyl orthoformate, 4 ml. absolute ethanol and 200 ml. benzene is added 4 ml. of absolute ethanol saturated with hydrogen chloride and the mixture is heated under refluxing conditions for 2 hours. The mixture is cooled, diluted with an equal volume of ether and poured into 300 ml. of 5% sodium hydroxide solution. After shaking thoroughly, the equeous phase is descarded. The organic phase is washed with water, saturated brine, dried and the solvent evaporated. The residue, a yellow mobile oil, which can be crystal lized to a colorless hydroscopic solid is essentially pure 1 acetoxy 6 ethoxy 9 methyl A hexahydronaphthalene as determined spectroscopically. This material is used directly for the preparation of 1-acetoxy-6- ethoxy-9-methyl-trans-M-octalin (VI).

EXAMPLE 5.PREPARATION OF 1 ACETOXY 6- ETHOXY 9 ETHYL A HEXAHYDRO- NAPHTHALENE (V) The crude 1-acetoxy-6-oxo-A -9-ethyl-octalin (4.2 g.) (Example 3), 5.6 ml. ethyl orthoformate, 1 ml. absolute ethanol, 1 ml. absolute ethanol saturated with hydrogen chloride and 100 ml. benzene are heated under reflux for 2 hours. The solution is cooled, diluted with ether and washed with 100 ml. of a 5% sodium hydroxide followed by washings with water and saturated brine. The organic phase is dried and evaporated to yield 1-acetoxy-6-ethoxy- 9-ethyl-A -hexahydronaphthalene as a pale yellow oil weighing 4.7 g. This is used without further purification for the preparation of 1 acetoxy {6 ethoxy A 9- ethyl-trans-octalin.

In the above Examples 4 and 5, ethyl orthoformate is used, other orthoformates may also be used such as methyl, propyl, butyl and the like. Also other strong acid catalysts can be used in place of hydrogen chloride such as sulfuric acid.

When 1-benzyloxy-, l-toluoyloxy or 1-halobenzoyloxy, -6-oxo-9-lower alkyl-A -octalin, prepared as for example, by reacting 1-hydroxy-6-oxo-9-lower alkyl-4 octalin with benzoyl chloride or the like in pyridine, is substituted for l-acetoxy-6-oxo-9-lower alkyl-A -octalin, the product from the reaction is the corresponding 1- benzoyloxy, l-toluoyloxy or l-halobenzoyloxy, -6-ethoxy- 9-lower alkylA -hexahydronaphthalene. When this starting material is employed, the. products (V through IX), illustrated on the fiowsheet, have the 1-acetoxy group replaced by the l-benzoyloxy, l-toluoyloxy or l-halobenzoyloxy group.

EXAMPLE 6.PREPARATION OF 1 ACETOXY 6- ETHOXY 9 METHYL TRANS A OCTALIN The crude enol ether of Example 4 (from 6.7 grams 1- acetoxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A -octalin) is dissolved in 150 ml. absolute ethanol and hydrogenated at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in the presence of 400 mg. of 2% palladium-on-strontium carbonate. One mole of hydrogen is absorbed in 2 hours. The catalyst is re- 5 moved by filtration and the ethanol evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue of 1-acetoxy-6-ethoxy-9-rnethyl-trans-A -octalin is used directly for the preparation of 1-acetoxy-9-methyl--oxo trans-decalin of Example 8.

10 In the above reaction other hydrogenation catalysts may be used such as for example palladium on carbon, etc.

EXAMPLE 7.PRE-PARATION OF 1 ACETOXY 6- ETHOXY A 9 ETHYL TRANS OCTALIN The crude enol of Example 5 (4.7 g.) from l-acetoxy- 6-oxo-A -9-ethyl-octalin is dissolved in 200 ml. absolute ethanol and 1.0 g. of 2% palladium hydroxide on strontium carbonate is added. The catalyst and compound are reduced with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure. One molar equivalent of hydrogen is absorbed. The catalyst is then removed by filtration and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue consisting predominantly of 1-acetoxy-6-ethoxy-A -9-ethyl-trans-octalin weighs 4.7 g. and is used without further purification.

Further, employing the procedure set forth in Examples 6 and 7 above and substituting an enol ether of the general formula:

OCOR where R and R are lower alkyl, for'the 1-acetoxy-6- ethoxy 9 methyl M hexahydronaphthalene of Example 6 or the 1-acetoxy-6-ethoxy-9-ethyl-A hexahydronaphthalene of Example 7, and R is a radical 40 selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl and substituted phenyl radicals, there is produced a compound of the general formula:

OCOR R2 1 wherein R and R are lower alkyl and R is as described hereinbefore.

EXAMPLE 8.PREPARATION OF 1-ACETOXY-9- METHYL-6OXO-TRANS-DECALIN (VII) EXAMPLE 9.,PREPARATION or 1-ACETO'XY-6- OXO-9-ETHYL-TMNS-DECALIN WI The crude 1-acetoxy-6-ethoxy A -9-ethyl-trans-octalin (4.7 g.) prepared as in Example 7 is heated on a steam 7 bath with 20 ml. water and 20 ml. glacial acetic acid for 0.5 hour. The solution is cooled, diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residue of 1-acetoxy-6-oxo-9-ethyl-trans-decalin weighs 4.1 g. and is used without further purification.

9 Using the procedure described in Examples 8 or 9 above and reacting a compound of the formula:

OCOR

lit

Where R and R are as described above.

EXAMPLE 10.PREPARATION OF 1-ACETOXY-6,6-

ETHYLENEDIOXY 9 ETHYL-TRANS-DECALIN (XII) A solution of crude 1-acetoxy-6-oxo-9-ethyl-trans decalin (2.05 g.) prepared as in Example 9 dissolved in 100 ml. benzene containing 2.05 g. ethylene glycol and 100 mg. p-toluenesulphonic acid is heated under reflux under a Dean-Stark Water separator until no more water is azeotropieally removed (4.5 hours). The solution is cooled, diluted with ether and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase is then Washed with water followed by saturated brine, dried and the solvents removed under reduced pressure. The residue is crystallized from hexane to give 1-acetoxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-ethyl-trans-decalin. The analytical sample obtained by recrystallizations of the product from acetonehexane has a melting point 78.5 79.5 C.

A compound of the formula:

O l L as exemplified by Examples 10 and 11 above, where R is lower alkyl and R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl radical are prepared by reacting a compound of the formula:

where R and R are as described above, with benzene, ethylene glycol and an acid such as p-toluenesulphomc acid.

EXAMPLE 11.PREPARATION OF l-ACETOXY- 6,6-ETHYLENEDIOXY 9-METHYL-TRANS-DEC- ALIN (XII) 0 mm. The product can be reduced pressure. The residue is diluted with an equal volume of hexane and kept at 0 C. overnight. The crystalline mass is removed by filtration and Washed with 20 ml. cold hexane. Total yield of 1-acetoxy-6,6-ethylene-dioxy 9-methyl-trans-decalin is 9.7 grams (57% based on cool ether of Example 4), melting point 116 117 C. is obtained.

In the above reaction ethylene glycol is used to protect the keto group, however, other alcohols can be used such as propanediol.

EXAMPLE 12.-PREPARATIO=N OF l-HYDROXY- 6,6 ETHYLENEDIO'XY-9-METHYL-TRANSDECA- LIN (XIII) A mixture of 10.72 grams (0.04 mole) of l-acetoxy- 6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-methyl-trans-decalin, ml. ethanol and 50 ml. 2 N potassium hydroxide solution are heated under refluxing conditions for 2 hours. Most of the ethanol is removed by distillation under reduced pressure, the residue is diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether is Washed with water, saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue crystallizes completely to give 7.9 grams (84% yield) of 1-hydroxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-methyl-trans'decalin, melting point 7172 C.

Employing the procedure of this example and substituting a l-acyloxy, or l-aroyloxy, -6-ethylenedioxy-9- lower alkyl-trans-decalin for 1-acetoxy-6-ethylenedioxy- 9-methyl-trans-decalin will yield the corresponding l-hydroxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-lower alkyl-trans-decalin. The 1 hydroxy 6,6-ethylenedioxy-9 ethyl-trans-decalin prepared by this method is a crystalline solid, melting point 95-96 C.

EXAMPLE 13.PREPARATION OF l-BENZYLOXY- 6,6 ETHYLENEDIOXY-9-METHYL-TRANS-DEC- ALIN (XIV, R =CH A mixture of 63 ml. benzyl chloride, 10.85 g. 1-hydroxy-6,6ethylenedioxy-9-methyl-trans-decalin (XIII, R is CH and 11.05 g. of a 54% suspension of sodium hydride in mineral oil is stirred and gradually heated. At 120125 C. a vigorous exothermic reaction takes place. When the reaction has subsided, a temperature of C. is maintained for 1 hour. The mixture is diluted with benzene and filtered. The benzene and excess benzyl chloride are removed under reduced pressure and the residue distilled. The product, l-benzyloxy-6,6- ethylenedioxy-Q-methyl-trans-decalin is distilled at 176- 182 C. at 0.5 mm., (13.0 g.). The product (XIV, R is CH crystallizes completely and the analytical sample (from hexane) has a melting point 83-83.5 C.

When 1-hydroxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-ethyl-trans-decalin (XIII, R is C H is used in the reaction with benzyl chloride, the product is 1 benzyloxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9- ethyl-trans-decalin (XIV, R is C H which distills at 182184 C. at 0.05 mm.

EXAMPLE 14.PREPARATION OF l-BENZYLOXY- 6 OXO-9-METHYL-TRANS-DECALIN (XV, R 3) To a solution of 130 g. of 1-benzyloxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-methyl-trans-decalin (XIV, R is CH in 500 ml. glacial acetic acid is added 300 ml. water and the mixture heated on the steambath for 0.5 hour. Approximately 200 ml. glacial acetic acid are added and the heating continued for 1.5 hours. After cooling the mixture, it is diluted with Water and extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residue is distilled and the product has boiling point 157 C. at 0.03 crystallized from hexane at -10 to a solid melting point 46-47 C.

When 1-benzyloxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9ethyl-trans-decalin (XIV, R is C 11 is hydrolyzed in the same way as described above, the product is 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-ethyl trans-decalin (XV, R is C H I 1 EXAMPLE 15.PREPARATION OF l-BENZYLOXY- 7 BROMO 6-OXO-9-METHYL-TRANS-DECALIN (XVI, R =CH A stirred solution of 38.35 g. of 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9- methyl-trans-decalin in 500 ml. chloroform was cooled to and then 25.9 g. of bromine in 175 ml. chloroform is added dropwise at such a rate that there is never more than a small amount of free bromine present. After the addition, the solution is poured into a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The two phases are well shaken, the chloroform layer separates, is dried and evaporated. The residue (51.0 g.) consisting mainly of 1-benzyloxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-decalin (XVI, R is CH is used without further purification. The compound can be crystallized from acetone-hexane and the analytical sample melted at 112-113 C.

When 1 benzyloxy-S-oxo-9-ethyl-trans-decalin (XV, R is C l-I is brominated in the same way, the product is 1-benzyloxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-ethyl-trans-decalin (XVI, R is C 11 which has melting point 139l40 C.

EXAMPLE 16.PREPARATION OF l-BENZYLOXY- 6 OXO 9 METHYL A TRANS OCTALIN (XVII, RFCH The crude 1-benzyloxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-methyl-transdecalin (51.0 g.) prepared as in Example is dissolved in 600 ml. dry dimethylformamide and 35 g. of dry lithium chloride and 35 g. of dry lithium carbonate added. The mixture is stirred and heated at reflux under nitrogen for two hours. The mixture is cooled and most of the solids removed by filtration. The filtrate is diluted with water and extracted with ether, then ether washed with water, saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue is distilled to give 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A' -trans-octalin (XVII, R is CH as a pale yellow oil, boiling point 170 C. at 0.5 mm.

When 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-7-bromo-9-ethyl-trans-decalin (XVI, R is C H is dehydrobrominated as described above, the product is 1-benzyloxy-6-0xo-9-ethyl-A -transoctalin (XVII, R is C l-I which distills at 165170 C. at 0.1 mm.

EXAMPLE 17.PREPARATION OF 1-ACETOXY-7- BROMO e-oxo 9-METHYL -TRANS-DECALIN (VIII) A mixture of 1-acetoxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-methyltrans-decalin g.) and 100 ml. 50% acetic acid are heated on the steambath for 0.5 hour. After cooling, the solution is diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried and evaporated. The residue of l-acetoxy- 6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-decalin weighs 20.5 g. The keto acetate is dissolved in 150 ml. chloroform and cooled at 0 C. To the stirred solution is added dropwise a solution of 15.0 g. of bromine in 75 ml. chloroform. After the addition, the chloroform is removed under reduced pressure and the residue crystallizes from ether to give 20.85 g. (74% over-all) of the bromo ketone. The analytical sample obtained by recrystallizations of the crude product from acetone-hexane has a melting point 147- 148 C.

The compound 1-acetoxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-ethyl-transdecalin is readily prepared in good yield by the above procedure employing l-acetoxy 6,6 ethylene-dioxy-9- ethyl-trans-decalin in place of the 1-acetoxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-9-methyl-trans-decalin.

EXAMPLE I8.PREPARATION OF l-ACETOXY-6- OXO-9-METHYL-A -TRANS-OCTALIN (IX) A mixture of 27.6 g. of 1-acetoxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9- methyl-trans-decalin, 25 g. dry lithium chloride and 25 g. dry lithium carbonate in 400 ml. dry dimethylformamide are heated at reflux under nitrogen for 2 hours. The solution is cooled, diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether is washed twice with water, sat- 12 urated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue crystallizes completely and weighed 18.0 g. (89%). This material is sufficiently pure for the next reaction. An analytical sample obtained by recrystallization from etherhexane has a melting point 62.563.5 C.

This process is also advantageously employed to produce l-acetoxy 6-oxo-9-ethyl A' -t'rans-octalin in high yield by simply substituting 1-acetoxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9- ethyl-t-rans-decalin for 1-acetoxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-methyltra-ns-decalin in the reaction.

EXAMPLE 19.PREPARATION OF l-HYDROXY- 6-OXO-9-METHYL-A"-TRANS-OCTALIN (X) A mixture of 17.4 g. of 1-acetoxy-6-oxo-9-methy1-A trans-octalin in ml. ethanol and 50 g. potassium bicarbonate in ml. water are heated under reflux for 5.5 hours. The mixture is cooled, diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water and saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from ether-hexane to give 10.2 g. of l hydroxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A -trans-octalin, melting point 86'- 88 C. The analytical sample has melting point 88 89 C.

Substituting 1-acetoxy-6-oxo-9-ethyl-A"-trans-octalin for 1-acetoxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A"-trans-octalin in good yield.

EXAMPLE 20.PREPARATION OF l-t-BUTOXY- 6-OXO-9-METHYL-A -TRANS-OCTALIN (XI) To 25 ml. of liquid isobutylene containing 0.5 ml. of 100% phosphoric acid saturated with boron trifluoride is added 5.0 g. 1-hydroxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A' -trans-octalin in 25 ml. dry methylene chloride. The mixture is shaken overnight at room temperature. After cooling the mixture in an ice-methanol bath, excess isobutylene is removed by a stream of dry nitrogen and the residue is dissolved in methylene chloride. The solution is washed thoroughly with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residue is dissolved in hexane and passed through a plug of neutral alumina. Evaporation of the solvent yielded 5.7 g. (87%) of crystalline t-butyl ether melting point 7273 C. s

The compound 1-t-butoxy-6-oxo-9- thyl A' -trans-octalin is prepared in accordance with the above procedure employing as the starting material 1-hydroxy-6-oxo-9- ethyl-A' -trans-octalin in the place of l-hydroxy-6-oxo-9- methyl-A' -trans-octalin. 2

EXAMPLE 21.PREPARATION OF TRANS-1,2,

4a,5,6,7,8,8a OCTAHYDRO-4a METHYL-S-t- BUTOXY 2 OX0 1 NAPHTHALDEHYDE (XIX, R =CH Rt t-BUTYL) To a stirred suspension of dry sodium methoxide (from 0.74 g. sodium) in dry benzene under nitrogen is added 4.5 ml. of redistilled ethyl formate in a gentle stream. After stirring at room temperature for 0.5 hour, the mixture is cooled at 0 C. and 2.36 g. of l-t-butoxy- 6-oxo-9-methyl-N-trans-octalin in 20 ml. dry benzene is added dropwise. The solution is then stirred overnight at room temperature. Water and ether are added to the mixture. The water is separated and the organic phase extracted twice with 1 N potassium hydroxide. The combined aqueous phases are acidified with 2.5 M sodium dihydrogen phosphate solution and thoroughly extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water, saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue (2.55 g.) consisting of trans-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8,8a-octahydro-4amethyl-S-t-butoxy-2-oxo-l-naphthaldehyde (XIX, R is CH R is -C(CH is used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 22.-PREPARATION OF TRANS-1,2,

4a,5,6,7,8,8a OCTAHYDRO 4a METHYL-5- BENZYLOXY-Z-OXO l-NAPHTHALDEHYDE R =CH R:CH2C6H5) The above is prepared from 2.86 g. of crude l-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-A -octalin (XV R is CH R is EXAMPLE 23.-PREPARATION OF TRANS-1,2,

4a,5,6,7,8,8a OCTAHYDRO-4a METHYL-S-t- BUTOXY-Z-OXO-l (3-OXOBUTYL)-l-NAPH- THALDEHYDE (XX, R =CH, R=C(CH RI! H) The crude 1-t-butoxy-5-formyl-6-oxo-9-methyl-A -transoctalin (2.55 g.) is dissolved in 100 ml. dry benzene and the solvent removed to remove traces of water. This procedure is repeated. The residue is dissolved in 20 ml. dry t-butanol and 0.87 g. freshly distilled methylvinyl ketone added. The air is displaced by nitrogen, the solution cooled down in an ice bath and 1 ml. of a l M solution of potassium t-bu-toxide in t-butanol is added. The solution is left at room temperature overnight. Ether and water are added and the aqueous phase thoroughly extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water, saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue, a viscous pale yellow oil, of trans-l,2,4a,5,6,7, 8,8a-octahydro 4a-methyl-5-t-butoxy 2 oxo-1-(3-oxobutyl)-lnaphthaldehyde =(XX, R is CH R is C(CH R is H) is used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 24.-PREPARATION OF TRANS-1,2,4a,

5,6,7,8,8a OCTAHYDRO 4a METHYL 5 BEN- ZYLOXY 2 OXO l (3 OXOBUTYL) 1- NAPHTHALDEHYDE (XX, R =CH R'=CH C H R":H)

From trans 1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a, octahydro 4a methyl- 5-benzyloxy-2-oxo-l-naphthaldehyde (XIX, R is CH R is CH C H 3.1 g. crude as described in Example 22, 0.87 g. freshly distilled methylvinyl ketone and 1 ml. of a 1 M solution of potassium t'butoxide in t-butanol there is obtained by following the procedure as described in Example 23, trans l,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a octahydro 4amethyl 5 benzyloxy 2 oxo 1 (3 oxobutyl) 1- naphthaldehyde, is obtained as a viscous pale yellow oil which is used without further purification.

When the procedures described in Examples 23 and 24 are carried through with the ethyl analog, the products obtained are the l a-ethyl naphthaldehydes.

EXAMPLE 25. PREPARATION OF TRANS 1,2,4a,

5,6,7,8,8a OCTAHYDRO ia-METHYL 5 BEN- zYLoXY 2 OX 1 3 OXOPENTYL) 1- 'NAPHTHALDEHYDE (XX, R=CH3, R'-=CH2C6H5,

R=CH3) The above compound is prepared from trans-l,2,4a,5, 6,7,8,8a octahydro 4a methyl benzyloxy 2 oxol-naphthaldehyde (XE, R is CH R is CH C H and ethylvinyl ketone by the procedure described in Example 24.

EXAMPLE 26. PREPARATION OF METHYL TRANS 1 FORMYL 1,2,4a,5,6,7,8a OCTAHY- DRO 4a-METHYL 5 t BUTOXY 5,2 DIOXO- l NAPHTHALENE HEPTANOAT'E (XX, R=CH R'=C(CH R"=-CH CH COOCH The crude trans 1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a octahydro 4amethyl 5 t butoxy 2 oxo 1 naphthaldehyde prepared in Example 21 is dissolved in 5 ml. d-ry t-butanol and 1.87 g. methyl 5 oXo 6 heptenoate added. After cooling the solution under a nitrogen atmosphere, 1 ml. of a 1 molar solution of potassium t butoxide in t =l7utariol is added and the mixture kept at room temperature overnight. The solution is diluted with water and ether and the aqueous phase thoroughly extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water, and saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue of methyl trans-l-formyl- 1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a, octahydro 4a methyl -5- t butoxy- 6,2-dioxo-1-naphthalene-heptanoate (XX, R is CH R is C(CH R" is CH CH COOCH is obtained as a viscous, pale yellow oil, and is used without further purifioation. The methyl acetate analog i.e. where R" is CH COOCH can also be prepared by this procedure using methyl-4-oxo-5-hexenoate instead of 5-oxo-6-heptenoate.

EXAMPLE 27. PREPARATION OF METHYL TRANS 1 FORMYL 1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a OCTAHY- DRO 4a METHYL 5 BENZYLOXY 5,2- DIOXO 1 NAPHTHALENE HEPTANOATE 2= 3 2 6 5, R=CH2CH2COOCH3) This is prepared from the crude trans-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8aoctahydro 4a methyl 5 benzyloxy 2 oxo lnaphthaldehyde, 3.1 g., described in Example 22, 1.87 g. of methyl-5-oxo-6-heptenoate and 1 ml. of a 1 M solution of potassium t-butoxide in t-butanol by the procedure described in Example 26.

The product, methyl trans-l-formyl-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8aoctahydro 4a methyl 5 benzyloxy 6,2 dioxo 1- nap'hthaldehyde (XX, R is CH R is CH C H R" is CH CH C0OCH is obtained as a pale yellow viscous oil and Was used in this form without further purification. The methyl acetate analog of the above compound, i.e. where R" is CH COOCH can be prepared by this procedure with methyl 4-oxo-5-hexenoate in place of methyl 5-oxo-6-heptenoate.

- EXAMPLE 28.PREPARA'TION OF dl 8 t- BU- The crude trans-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-4a-methyl- 5 t butoxy 2 oxo 1 (3 oxobutyl) 1 naphthaldehyde prepared in Example 23 is dissolved in 25 ml. dioxan and cooled to 0 C. A solution of 1.7 g. potassium hydroxide in 25 ml. water is added and the air displaced by nitrogen. After standing at room temperature for 3 hours, ether and water are added to the mixture and the aqueous phase thoroughly extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water and saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from ether-hexane. The analytical sample crystallized from hexane has the melting point 134135 C.

EXAMPLE 29.PREPARATION 0F d1 8,8 BEN- ZYLOXY sap METHYL 4,4afi,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a- OCTAHYDRO 2(3H) PHENANTHRONE XXI, n cn R=CH2C6H5, R"=H) The above is prepared from trans-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8aoctahydro 4a methyl 5 benzyloxy 2 oxo 1 (3- oxobutyl)-1-naphthaldehyde (prepared as in Example 24) in 25 ml. dioxan and 1.7 g. potassium hydroxide in 25 ml. water as described in Example 28. The crude product is chromatographed on alumina to yield dl-8B-benzyloxy- 8a/3- methyl 4,4a 8,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a octahydro 2(3H)- phenanthrone. An analytical sample, recrystallized from methanol, has melting point l09-1l0 C.

EXAMPLE 30. PREPARATION OF dl 8,8 BEN- ZYLOXY 8aB 1 DIMETHYL 4, 4a 3, 4bcz,5,6,7, 8,8a OCTAHYDRO 2(3H) PHENANTHRONE (XXI, R =CH R'=CH C H R"'==CH The above product is prepared from trans-1,2,4a,5,6,7, 8,821 octahydro 4a methyl 5 benzyloxy 2 oxo 1- (3-oxopentyl)-l-naphthaldehyde (R is CH R is CH C H by the procedure described in Example 28 to give the product dl-8B-benzyloxy-8afi,l-dimethyl-4,4afi,

1 4ba,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-2(3H)-phenanthrone (XXI, R is CH R is CH C H R is CH EXAMPLE 3l.PREPARATION OF dl 2,3,4,48.fl,4ba,

5,6,7,8,8a DECAI-IYDRO Baa METHYL 8B t- BUTOXY 2 OXOPHENANTHRENE 1 PRO- PIONIC ACID (XXI R =CH R'=C(CH R"=CI-I CH COOH) Crude methyl trans-1-formyl-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-4a methyl 5 t butoxy 5,2 dioxo 1 naphthaleneheptanoate (3.0 g.) prepared in Example 26 is dissolved in ml. dioxan and 30 ml. of a 1.6 M solution of sodium hydroxide added. The mixture is stirred overnight at room temperature under nitrogen. The solution is diluted with water and extracted with ether. The aqueous phase is acidified with 6 N sulphuric acid and rapidly extracted with ether. The ether is washed twice with water followed by saturated brine solution. The other is dried and evaporated.

The residue (2.0 g.) is exhaustively extracted with boiling cyclohexane. The cyclohexane is evaporated and the residue crystallized from acetonitrile. The analytical sample recrystallized from the same solvent has melting point 88-89 C. The acetic acid analog of this compound, where R is CH COOH, may be prepared employing the methyl acetate analog of compound (XX) in the reaction.

EXAMPLE 32.PREPARATION OF dl-2,3,4,4a5,4bu,

5,6,7,8,8a DECAHYDRO Safi METHYL-S/i-BEN- ZYLOXY 2 OXOPHENANTHRENE 1 PRO- PIONIC ACID (XXI, R2=CH3, R'=CH2C6H5, R"=CH2CH2COOH) This is prepared from the crude methyl trans-l-formyl- 1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a octahydro 4a-methyl-5-benzyloxy-6,2- dioxo-l-naphthaleneheptanoate described in Example 27 in'15 ml. dioxan and 30 ml. of a 1.6 M solution of sodium hydroxide as described in Example 31. The product, dl- 2,3,4,4a,6,'4bu,5,6,7,8,8a decahydro Sap methyl 8,8- benzyloXy-2-oxophenanthrene-l-propionic acid is obtained as a crystalline solid. Recrystallization from acetonitrile gives an analytical sample melting point 158159 C.

EXAMPLE 33.-PREPARATION OF dI-BB-t-BUTOXY- 8a 3 METHYL 4,4afi,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10-DECAI-IY- DRO 2'(3H)-PHENANTHRONE, (XXII, R =CH R'=C(CH R'=H) A suspension of mgs. of 2% palladium hydroxide on strontium carbonate in 5 ml. dry benzene is reduced with- EXAMPLE 34.PREPARATION OF dl-8fi-BENZYL- OXY 8a/3-METI-IYL-4,4a5,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a,9,IO-DECA- HYDRO-2(3H)-PHENANTHRONE (XXII, R2=CH3, R'=CH2C6H5, R":H)

Reduction of 43.7 mgs. of 11-8,8-benzyloxy-8afl-methyl- 4,4afi,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a octahydro 2(3H)-phenanthrone in benzene with 25 mgs. of 2% palladium hydroxide on strontium carbonate as described in Example 33 gives d1- 65 benzyloxy Sap methyl 4,4afi,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10- dgcahydro 2(3H) phenanthrone, melting point 101- 1 2 C.

16 EXAMPLE 35.-PREPARATION OF dl-8B-BENZYL- OXY 2,3,4,4afi,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a,9,1O DODECAHY- DRO 8215 METHYL Z-OXO-PHENANTHRENE- l-PROPIONIC ACID (XXI' R2=CH3, R':CH2C6H5, R"' CH2CH2COOH) A suspension of 1.0 g. of 2% palladium hydroxide on strontium carbonate is reduced in 30 ml. water with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. A solution of 3.94 g. of dl-SB-benzyloxy-Z,3,4,4a5,4ba,5, 6,7,8,8a decahydro 8a;8 methyl 2 oxophenanthrenel-propionic acid in 10 ml. of 1 N sodium hydroxide is added. When 1 molar equivalent of hydrogen has been absorbed, the catalyst is removed by filtration and the aqueous phase acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid. The aqueous phase is thoroughly extracted With ether, the ether washed with water, saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue (4.0 g.) of crude dl-8/3-benzyloxy-2, 3,4,4afl,4ba,5,6,7,8,8a,9,l0 dodecahydro 8a/3 methyl- 2-oxo-phenanthrene-l-propionic acid is used without further purification.

The procedures detailed in Examples 25 through 35 for the methyl compounds R is CH, in generic formulas are equally useful when R is C H and yield the corresponding product. This also applies where R" is methyl acetate XX and following reactions yield (XXI), (XXII), and (XXIIIA) where R is CH COOH.

EXAMPLE 36.PREPARATION OF dl-l7a 8-BENZYL- OXY 5 HYDROXY 3,5 SECO 4 NOR 5(10), 9 l l D-HOMOESTRADIEN-Ii-OIC ACID, 4,5-LAC- R2=CH3, R":CH2C6H5) A solution of 4 g. of dl-8/8-benzyloxy-2,3,4,4afl,4ba,5,6, 7,8,8a,9,10 dodecahydro Sap methyl 2 oxophenanthrene-l-propionic acid in 40 ml. acetic anhydride and 50 mgs. anhydrous sodium acetate is heated under reflux under nitrogen for 4 hours. The solvents are evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ether and water. The aqueous phase is thoroughly extracted with ether, the ether phases combined and washed successively with 1 M sodium carbonate solution, water and saturated brine. The ether is separated, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from ether to give dl- 17a18 benzyloxy 5 hydroxy 3,5 seco 4 nor- 5(10),9(11) D homoestradien-3-oic acid, 3,5-lactone, melting point 13l C.

EXAMPLE 37.PREPARATION OF dl-l7al3-BENZYL- OXY 5 HYDROXY 3,5 SECO 4 NOR 5(10)- D HOMOESTREN 3 OIC ACID, 3,5 LACTONE (XXIV, R =CH R'=-CH C H A suspension of 0.5 g. of 2% palladium hydroxide on strontium carbonate in 40 ml. dry benzene is reduced with hydrogen at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Then 1.76 g. of dl-l7afi-benzyloxy-5-hydroxy- 3,5 seco 4 nor 5(10),9(11)-D-homoestradien 3- oic acid, 3,5-lactone in 40 ml. dry benzene is added and the reduction continued. During 22 hours, ml. of

hydrogen had been absorbed and the catalyst is then re- EXAMPLE 38.PREPARATION OF dl-19-NOR-D- HOMOTESTOSTERONE, BENZYL ETHER (XXV, RZZCH3, RIZCHZCGH5) A solution of 0.5 g. d1-17aB-benzyloxy-5-hydroxy-3,5- seco-4-nor-5(l0)-D-homoestren-3-oic acid, 3,5-lactone in 100 ml. ether and 30 ml. benzene is cooled to 50 C.

under nitrogen and 2 ml. of a 3 M solution of methyl magnesium bromide in ether is added with stirring over 1? 18 20 minutes. After stirring a further 1 hour at 50 C., 3. A compound of the formula: 2 N hydrochloric acid is added and the mixture warmed OCHCBH5 to room temperature. The organic phase is diluted with benzene and the aqueous phase thoroughly extracted. The

organic phase is washed with a 1 M sodium carbonate 5 solution, water, dried and evaporated to give 0.55 g. of a colorless oil. The oil is dissolved in 15 ml. glacial acetic acid and 1.5 ml. concentrated hydrochloric acid is added. The solution is allowed to stand under nitrogen at room Whefeln 2 18 lower y temperature for 48 hours. The solvents are removed Acompound 0f the formula-1 under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ben- OCHzCaHs zene. The benzene is washed with saturated sodium bi- R1 carbonate, water, saturated brine, dried and evaporated to Br give a crystalline residue. This is recrystallized from ethanol to give 300 mgs. 19-nor-D-homotestosterone, 0 benzyl ether, melting point 185 188 C. A pure H sample is prepared by recrystallization from a chloroformethanol mixture. The analytical sample has melting point Wherem R2 15 lower alkyl' 194L195.) C. 5. A compound of the formula:

The procedures outlined in Examples 36, 37 and 38 20 R t s are equally applicable when R in the generic formula is I ethyl. In this instance the products are the corresponding ethyl compounds.

I claim: 1. A compound of the formula: 5 f;

R wherein R is lower alkyl. 2 6. 1 benzyloxy 6,6 ethylene-dioxy-9-methyl-transdecalin.

7. 1 benzyloxy 6,6 ethylene-dioxy-9ethyl-transdecalin.

8. 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-methyl-trans-decalin.

9. 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-ethyl-trans-decalin. wherein 2 is lower alkyl, X is Selected from the g p 10. 1-benzy1oxy-7-bromo-6-oxo9-methyl-trans-decalin. Consisting of Oxygen and lower alkylenedioxy and 11. 1-benzyloxy-7-bromo-6-oxo-9-ethyl-trans-decalin. r a is Selected from the group consisting of 12. 1-benzyloxy-6-0x0-9-methyl-A' -trans-octalin. 2 z, and 13. 1-benzyloxy-6-oxo-9-ethyl-A' -trans-octalin.

-CH-CH2- r References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS A wmpwnd Of the Emma 2,705,725 4/1955 Bible et a1. 260-3409 B oC 2CaH5 3,018,296 1/ 1962 Klimstra 260397.4 OTHER REFERENCES 0 Hartough: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, vol. I 42 (1950), pp. 9037.

H ALEX MAZEL, Primary Examiner.

wherein R is lower alkyl. JAMES TURNIPSEED, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA: 